{
  "id": 18290405,
  "title": "Egypt expands hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling to boost petroleum, gas output",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/egypt-expands-hydraulic-fracturing-horizontal-drilling-to-boost",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-05T10:44:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Egypt Independent",
    "slug": "egypt-independent",
    "url": "https://www.egyptindependent.com/egypt-expands-hydraulic-fracturing-horizontal-drilling-to-boost-petroleum-gas-output/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Egypt is broadening the use of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling techniques to enhance the output of petroleum and gas, as part of its five-year plan for the petroleum sector, according to Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi. During an inspection of a hydraulic fracturing operation at the H-18 well in the Al Abyad field in Egypt's Western Desert, Badawi explained that the goal is to elevate production from existing wells, rejuvenate declining wells, and tap into resources that cannot be economically extracted using traditional methods. The H-18 well is set to boost its daily gas production from 3 million cubic feet to around 12 million cubic feet through multi-stage hydraulic fracturing. Badawi highlighted that these technologies have proven successful internationally, notably in the United States and Saudi Arabia, as well as in Egypt's Western Desert. He added that his ministry is collaborating with international companies to create investment incentives and economic models to promote wider adoption. A preliminary study by NESR indicates that expanding hydraulic fracturing in the Western Desert could add between 50,000 and 100,000 barrels per day to Egypt's oil production, although this remains contingent on additional technical and economic evaluations. In parallel, 15 horizontal wells have been drilled in the Sinai fields of the General Petroleum Company, with four more currently under construction. Petrobel has successfully completed the drilling of the SIDRI-48 horizontal well, and projects are underway to drill two more horizontal wells in the Nes field. The Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation is overseeing the initiative, reviewing technical data from 38 production companies to pinpoint suitable wells and reservoirs and prioritize projects based on their economic viability. The ministry has also engaged SLB and Halliburton to evaluate three opportunities in Abu Rawash reservoirs, with initial study results anticipated to be released over the course of the third quarter of the 2026/2027 fiscal year.",
  "summary": "Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi said Egypt is expanding the use of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling as key technologies in the petroleum sector’s five-year plan. During an inspection of hydraulic fracturing operations at the H-18 well in the Western Desert’s Al Abyad field, operated by the Badr Eldin Petroleum Company (BAPETCO), … The post Egypt expands…",
  "key_points": [
    "Egypt expands hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling for petroleum and gas output.",
    "H-18 well in Al Abyad field to increase gas production from 3M to 12M cubic feet.",
    "Ministry collaborating with international firms for investment incentives and economic models."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}